Ontario Plans to Ban Sale and Use of Cosmetic Pesticides

Toronto: Chock up another victory for pesticide reduction and, in time for Earth Day, a green-tinged government responding to public aspirations. “With polls consistently showing over 70% support for banning cosmetic pesticide use, the Ontario government today introduced what may become the most progressive legislation of its kind in the world,” noted Kathleen Cooper, Senior Researcher with the Canadian Environmental Law Association (CELA).

 “We need to review the details, including key implementing regulations, but Ontario’s proposed law provides for a comprehensive ban. It also addresses a key shortcoming of pesticide bylaws with a ban on sales of those products that are solely for cosmetic purposes,” Cooper noted.

In support of this initiative, CELA has participated in a broad coalition of health professionals, experts in environment and public health and thousands of Ontario residents. The coalition issued a joint statement in January calling for a comprehensive approach including a ban on use and sales and complementary educational work. “With planned implementation to take effect in 2009, educational work to ensure a smooth transition must start immediately,” stated Cooper.

The government heard us and has introduced an excellent piece of legislation. It builds on many years of work by health and environmental organizations and thousands of concerned citizens in municipalities across Ontario whose efforts have been so instrumental in helping to eliminate needless pesticide use in Canada.

“We were also very happy to hear Premier McGuinty indicate at this morning’s announcement in Toronto that municipalities will continue to have the power to pass stricter bylaws in response to local circumstances and public concerns. We look forward to seeing these bylaw-making powers ensured in the final text of this new law,” Cooper stated.

 For more information:

Kathleen Cooper, Senior Researcher, 705-341-2488 (cell) kcooper@cela.ca
Pour des entrevues en français, veuillez contacter Christopher Waffle, 416-960-2284, ext. 226 cwaffle@cela.ca